Discover Nepal guide

Makalu Barun National Park: Travel & Wildlife Guide

Explore Makalu Barun National Park: wildlife, ecosystems, access, activities, conservation and best-season guidance.

A 1500 km² sweep from the Arun river's subtropical gorge to Makalu, the world's fifth-highest summit.

Ecosystems

One of the world's steepest ecological gradients — seven vegetation zones over 7,000 m of relief.

What to do

Makalu Base Camp trek, Arun valley villages, the remote Sherpani Col crossing for experts.

Conservation

Buffer-zone villages manage the lower valleys; the upper park remains one of Asia's least-trodden wildernesses.

Best time to visit

Oct–Nov and Mar–Apr.

Key wildlife

  • Snow leopard
  • Red panda
  • Clouded leopard
  • Arun valley bird endemics
  • Himalayan tahr